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Abstract:

An electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus includes a base with
a planar portion having a first side and an opposite second side. A
number of first adjustable members are coupled to the opposite second
side. Each of the first adjustable members includes a first end and an
opposite second end. A number of second adjustable members are coupled
transverse to the first adjustable members and include a first end and an
opposite second end. At least one of the first end and the opposite
second end of at least one of the first adjustable members and the second
adjustable members is adjustable generally toward or generally away from
the base. At least one of the first end and the opposite second end of
the at least one of the first adjustable members and the second
adjustable members is coupled to a number of walls of a switchgear
enclosure.

Claims:

1. An electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus comprising:a base
including a planar portion having a first side and an opposite second
side;a number of first adjustable members coupled to the opposite second
side of said base, each of said number of first adjustable members
including a first end and an opposite second end; anda number of second
adjustable members coupled transverse to said number of first adjustable
members, each of said number of second adjustable members including a
first end and an opposite second end,wherein at least one of the first
end and the opposite second end of at least one of said number of first
adjustable members and said number of second adjustable members is
structured to be adjustable generally toward or generally away from said
base, andwherein at least one of the first end and the opposite second
end of said at least one of said number of first adjustable members and
said number of second adjustable members is structured to be coupled to a
number of walls of a switchgear enclosure.

2. The electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus of claim 1
wherein both of the first end and the opposite second end of said number
of first adjustable members are structured to be adjustable toward or
away from said base, and are structured to be coupled to two walls of the
number of walls of said switchgear enclosure.

3. The electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus of claim 1
wherein both of the first end and the opposite second end of said number
of second adjustable members are structured to be adjustable generally
toward or generally away from said base, and are structured to be coupled
to two walls of the number of walls of said switchgear enclosure.

4. The electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus of claim 1
wherein a plurality of elongated members are coupled transverse to said
number of first adjustable members and are disposed transverse to said
number of second adjustable members, each of said plurality of elongated
members including a first end and an opposite second end; wherein for
each of said plurality of elongated members, a corresponding adjustment
member couples a corresponding one of said plurality of elongated members
to a corresponding one of said number of first adjustable members distal
from the opposite second end of the corresponding one of said plurality
of elongated members; wherein for each of said plurality of elongated
members, a corresponding coupling mechanism is coupled to the opposite
second end of the corresponding one of said plurality of elongated
members, said corresponding coupling mechanism being structured to couple
said electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus to a wall of the
number of walls of said switchgear enclosure; and wherein said
corresponding adjustment member is structured to adjust the distance
between said corresponding coupling mechanism and a corresponding one of
said number of first adjustable members.

5. The electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus of claim 4
wherein said number of first adjustable members is two first adjustable
members; wherein said number of second adjustable members is two second
adjustable members; and wherein said plurality of elongated members is
four elongated members.

6. The electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus of claim 2
wherein each of said number of first adjustable members comprises a
conduit member, a first slidable member disposed within and slidable with
respect to the first end of said conduit member, and a second slidable
member disposed within and slidable with respect to the opposite second
end of said conduit member.

7. The electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus of claim 3
wherein each of said number of second adjustable members comprises a
conduit member, a first slidable member disposed within and slidable with
respect to the first end of said conduit member, and a second slidable
member disposed within and slidable with respect to the opposite second
end of said conduit member.

8. The electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus of claim 4
wherein each of said plurality of elongated members is an elongated,
threaded rod; and wherein said corresponding adjustment member is a
threaded coupling coupling a corresponding elongated, threaded rod to the
corresponding one of said number of first adjustable members.

10. The electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus of claim 4
wherein said corresponding coupling mechanism is coupled to the opposite
second end of the corresponding one of said plurality of elongated
members; and wherein said corresponding coupling mechanism comprises a
number of fasteners structured to couple the opposite second end of the
corresponding one of said plurality of elongated members to the wall of
the number of walls of said switchgear enclosure.

11. The electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus of claim 4
wherein said at least one of the first end and the opposite second end of
said at least one of said number of first adjustable members and said
number of second adjustable members is structured to be fastened to the
wall of the number of walls of said switchgear enclosure.

12. The electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus of claim 11
wherein said switchgear enclosure includes a front side, a rear side, a
left side, a right side and a bottom side; and wherein the wall of the
number of walls of said switchgear enclosure is at least one of the front
side, the rear side, the left side, the right side and the bottom side.

13. A switchgear apparatus comprising:an enclosure comprising a plurality
of walls;an electrical switching apparatus disposed in said enclosure;
andan electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus disposed in said
enclosure, said electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus
comprising:a base including a planar portion having a first side and an
opposite second side, said electrical switching apparatus being mounted
to the first side of said base,a number of first adjustable members
coupled to the opposite second side of said base, each of said number of
first adjustable members including a first end and an opposite second
end, anda number of second adjustable members coupled transverse to said
number of first adjustable members, each of said number of second
adjustable members including a first end and an opposite second
end,wherein at least one of the first end and the opposite second end of
at least one of said number of first adjustable members and said number
of second adjustable members is structured to be adjustable generally
toward or generally away from said base, andwherein at least one of the
first end and the opposite second end of said at least one of said number
of first adjustable members and said number of second adjustable members
is coupled to a number of said plurality of walls of said enclosure.

14. The switchgear apparatus of claim 13 wherein said number of said
plurality of walls of said enclosure is two walls of said plurality of
walls of said enclosure; and wherein both of the first end and the
opposite second end of said number of first adjustable members are
adjustable toward or away from said base, and are coupled to said two
walls of said plurality of walls of said enclosure.

15. The switchgear apparatus of claim 14 wherein said two walls of said
plurality of walls of said enclosure are two opposing sides of said
enclosure.

16. The switchgear apparatus of claim 13 wherein said number of said
plurality of walls of said enclosure is two walls of said plurality of
walls of said enclosure; and wherein both of the first end and the
opposite second end of said number of second adjustable members are
adjustable generally toward or generally away from said base, and are
coupled to said two walls of said plurality of walls of said enclosure.

17. The switchgear apparatus of claim 16 wherein said two walls of said
plurality of walls of said enclosure are two opposing sides of said
enclosure.

18. The switchgear apparatus of claim 13 wherein a plurality of elongated
members are coupled transverse to said number of first adjustable members
and are disposed transverse to said number of second adjustable members,
each of said plurality of elongated members including a first end and an
opposite second end; wherein for each of said plurality of elongated
members, a corresponding adjustment member couples a corresponding one of
said plurality of elongated members to a corresponding one of said number
of first adjustable members distal from the opposite second end of the
corresponding one of said plurality of elongated members; wherein for
each of said plurality of elongated members, a corresponding coupling
mechanism is coupled to the opposite second end of the corresponding one
of said plurality of elongated members, said corresponding coupling
mechanism coupling said electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus
to one wall of said number of said plurality of walls of said enclosure;
and wherein said corresponding adjustment member adjusts the distance
between said corresponding coupling mechanism and a corresponding one of
said number of first adjustable members.

19. The switchgear apparatus of claim 18 wherein the wall of said
enclosure is the bottom side or floor of said enclosure.

20. The switchgear apparatus of claim 13 wherein said number of said
plurality of walls of said enclosure are four walls of said plurality of
walls of said enclosure; wherein said electrical switching apparatus is
positioned on the first side of said base of said electrical switching
apparatus mounting apparatus; wherein both of the first end and the
opposite second end of said number of first adjustable members are
adjustable toward or away from said base, and are coupled to two opposing
walls of said four walls; and wherein both of the first end and the
opposite second end of said number of second adjustable members are
adjustable generally toward or generally away from said base, and are
coupled to two different opposing walls of said four walls.

21. The switchgear apparatus of claim 20 wherein all of said number of
first adjustable members and said number of second adjustable members are
adjustable to provide a width range of about 31.5 inches to about 57.0
inches, and a depth range of about 17.5 inches to about 35.25 inches
within said enclosure.

22. The switchgear apparatus of claim 13 wherein said electrical switching
apparatus is a circuit interrupter.

[0004]Modernization of existing switchgear structures frequently involves
the replacement of older electrical switching apparatus including, for
example and without limitation, circuit switching devices, and circuit
interrupters, such as circuit breakers and network protectors, with new
devices. Frequently, such new devices employ relatively more modern
technologies. An example of this is the replacement of medium voltage air
circuit breakers with vacuum bottle based circuit breakers.

[0005]Such new devices may be of the fixed mount or withdrawable type but,
in either case, there exists a stationary component (e.g., the cradle or
cassette in the case of the withdrawable type) that needs to be properly
interconnected with remaining switchgear cell components, most notably
the primary bus system. In addition, the mounting mechanism must be
adequately braced to resist the electromagnetic forces resulting from
relatively very high fault currents the application may experience.

[0006]No known electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus adjusts
in any direction in order to provide a different position of an
electrical switching apparatus.

[0007]There is room for improvement in mounting apparatus for electrical
switching apparatus.

[0008]There is also room for improvement in switchgear apparatus in which
an electrical switching apparatus is mounted.

SUMMARY

[0009]These needs and others are met by embodiments of the disclosed
concept, which provide an electrical switching apparatus mounting
apparatus that is adjustable in one or more different directions.

[0010]For example, a frequent difficulty with the above-discussed
modernization process is in providing a mechanism to easily interface,
for example, the existing primary bus system to the new device while
providing the necessary strength. Where a wide variety of applications
are desired to be supported with minimum engineering and customization,
it is desirable to provide a mechanism of, for example, easily varying
the mounting location of the electrical switching apparatus, in all three
axes, and then in easily securing the mount to the enclosure to provide a
rigid platform.

[0011]In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed concept, an
electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus comprises: a base
including a planar portion having a first side and an opposite second
side; a number of first adjustable members coupled to the opposite second
side of the base, each of the number of first adjustable members
including a first end and an opposite second end; and a number of second
adjustable members coupled transverse to the number of first adjustable
members, each of the number of second adjustable members including a
first end and an opposite second end, wherein at least one of the first
end and the opposite second end of at least one of the number of first
adjustable members and the number of second adjustable members is
structured to be adjustable generally toward or generally away from the
base, and wherein at least one of the first end and the opposite second
end of the at least one of the number of first adjustable members and the
number of second adjustable members is structured to be coupled to a
number of walls of a switchgear enclosure.

[0012]Both of the first end and the opposite second end of the number of
first adjustable members may be structured to be adjustable toward or
away from the base, and may be structured to be coupled to two walls of
the number of walls of the switchgear enclosure.

[0013]Both of the first end and the opposite second end of the number of
second adjustable members may be structured to be adjustable generally
toward or generally away from the base, and may be structured to be
coupled to two walls of the number of walls of the switchgear enclosure.

[0014]A plurality of elongated members may be coupled transverse to the
number of first adjustable members and may be disposed transverse to the
number of second adjustable members, each of the plurality of elongated
members may include a first end and an opposite second end; for each of
the plurality of elongated members, a corresponding adjustment member may
couple a corresponding one of the plurality of elongated members to a
corresponding one of the number of first adjustable members distal from
the opposite second end of the corresponding one of the plurality of
elongated members; for each of the plurality of elongated members, a
corresponding coupling mechanism may be coupled to the opposite second
end of the corresponding one of the plurality of elongated members, the
corresponding coupling mechanism may be structured to couple the
electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus to a wall of the number
of walls of the switchgear enclosure; and the corresponding adjustment
member may be structured to adjust the distance between the corresponding
coupling mechanism and a corresponding one of the number of first
adjustable members.

[0015]The corresponding coupling mechanism may be coupled to the opposite
second end of the corresponding one of the plurality of elongated
members; and the corresponding coupling mechanism may comprise a number
of fasteners structured to couple the opposite second end of the
corresponding one of the plurality of elongated members to the wall of
the number of walls of the switchgear enclosure.

[0016]The at least one of the first end and the opposite second end of the
at least one of the number of first adjustable members and the number of
second adjustable members may be structured to be fastened to the wall of
the number of walls of the switchgear enclosure.

[0017]As another aspect of the disclosed concept, a switchgear apparatus
comprises: an enclosure comprising a plurality of walls; an electrical
switching apparatus disposed in the enclosure; and an electrical
switching apparatus mounting apparatus disposed in the enclosure, the
electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus comprising: a base
including a planar portion having a first side and an opposite second
side, the electrical switching apparatus being mounted to the first side
of the base, a number of first adjustable members coupled to the opposite
second side of the base, each of the number of first adjustable members
including a first end and an opposite second end, and a number of second
adjustable members coupled transverse to the number of first adjustable
members, each of the number of second adjustable members including a
first end and an opposite second end, wherein at least one of the first
end and the opposite second end of at least one of the number of first
adjustable members and the number of second adjustable members is
structured to be adjustable generally toward or generally away from the
base, and wherein at least one of the first end and the opposite second
end of the at least one of the number of first adjustable members and the
number of second adjustable members is coupled to a number of the
plurality of walls of the enclosure.

[0018]The number of the plurality of walls of the enclosure may be two
walls of the plurality of walls of the enclosure; and both of the first
end and the opposite second end of the number of first adjustable members
may be adjustable toward or away from the base, and may be coupled to the
two walls of the plurality of walls of the enclosure.

[0019]A plurality of elongated members may be coupled transverse to the
number of first adjustable members and may be disposed transverse to the
number of second adjustable members, each of the plurality of elongated
members may include a first end and an opposite second end; for each of
the plurality of elongated members, a corresponding adjustment member may
couple a corresponding one of the plurality of elongated members to a
corresponding one of the number of first adjustable members distal from
the opposite second end of the corresponding one of the plurality of
elongated members; for each of the plurality of elongated members, a
corresponding coupling mechanism may be coupled to the opposite second
end of the corresponding one of the plurality of elongated members, the
corresponding coupling mechanism may couple the electrical switching
apparatus mounting apparatus to one wall of the number of the plurality
of walls of the enclosure; and the corresponding adjustment member may
adjust the distance between the corresponding coupling mechanism and a
corresponding one of the number of first adjustable members.

[0020]The number of the plurality of walls of the enclosure may be four
walls of the plurality of walls of the enclosure; the electrical
switching apparatus may be positioned on the first side of the base of
the electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus; both of the first
end and the opposite second end of the number of first adjustable members
may be adjustable toward or away from the base, and may be coupled to two
opposing walls of the four walls; and both of the first end and the
opposite second end of the number of second adjustable members may be
adjustable generally toward or generally away from the base, and may be
coupled to two different opposing walls of the four walls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the
following description of the preferred embodiments when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus
mounting apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed
concept.

[0024]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the electrical switching apparatus
mounting apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0025]FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the electrical switching
apparatus mounting apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the electrical switching
apparatus mounting apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0027]FIG. 6 is a vertical elevation view of a switchgear apparatus
including a switchgear enclosure, a switch, an electrical switching
apparatus and the electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus of
FIG. 1.

[0028]FIG. 7 is a side vertical elevation view of the switchgear apparatus
of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029]As employed herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an integer
greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

[0030]As employed herein, the term "wall" shall mean a wall or side (e.g.,
without limitation, a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side,
a top side, a bottom side, a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, a
right wall, a top wall, a bottom wall) of a switchgear enclosure.

[0031]As employed herein, the term "generally toward" shall mean the same
as the term "toward", in the direction of another object, or in the
general direction of another object. For example and without limitation,
when an adjustable member is adjustable generally toward a base, it is
adjustable toward the base, in the direction of the base, or in the
general direction of the base, such that the adjustable member is
adjustable closer to the base.

[0032]As employed herein, the term "generally away from" shall mean the
same as "away from", in the direction away from another object, or in the
general direction away from another object. The term "generally away
from" means the opposite of "generally toward". For example and without
limitation, when an adjustable member is adjustable generally away from a
base, it is adjustable away from the base, in the direction away from the
base, or in the general direction away from the base, such that the
adjustable member is adjustable farther from the base.

[0033]As employed herein, the term "fastener" refers to any suitable
connecting or tightening mechanism expressly including, but not limited
to, screws, bolts (e.g., without limitation, carriage bolts) and the
combinations of bolts and nuts (e.g., without limitation, lock nuts and
wing nuts) and bolts, washers and nuts.

[0034]As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts are
"coupled" together shall mean that the parts are joined together either
directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts.

[0035]Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, top, bottom,
front, back, left, right, upper, lower and derivatives thereof, relate to
the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not
limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

[0036]The disclosed concept is described in association with a mounting
apparatus for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a single circuit
interrupter, although the disclosed concept is applicable to a wide range
of any suitable number of electrical switching apparatus.

[0037]Referring to FIGS. 1-5, an electrical switching apparatus mounting
apparatus 2 is shown. The mounting apparatus 2 includes a base 4 with a
planar portion 6 having a first side 8 (FIG. 5) and an opposite second
side 10 (FIG. 5). A number of first adjustable members 12 (two example
first adjustable members 12 are shown) are coupled to the opposite second
side 10 of the base 4. Each of the first adjustable members 12 includes a
first end 14 and an opposite second end 16. A number of second adjustable
members 18 (two example second adjustable members 18 are shown) are
coupled transverse to the first adjustable members 12. Each of the second
adjustable members 18 includes a first end 20 and an opposite second end
22. At least one of the first end 14,20 and the opposite second end 16,22
of at least one of the first and second adjustable members 12,18 is
structured to be adjustable generally toward or generally away from the
base 4, as will be explained. At least one of the first end 14,20 and the
opposite second end 16,22 of the at least one of the first and second
adjustable members 12,18 is structured to be coupled to a number of walls
24 (FIGS. 6 and 7) of a switchgear enclosure 26 (FIGS. 6 and 7), as will
be explained.

Example 1

[0038]Both of the first end 14 and the opposite second end 16 of the first
adjustable members 12 are structured to be adjustable toward or away from
the base 4, and are structured to be coupled to two walls 24 of the
switchgear enclosure 26 (as best shown in FIG. 6).

Example 2

[0039]Both of the first end 20 and the opposite second end 22 of the
second adjustable members 18 are structured to be adjustable generally
toward or generally away from the base 4, and are structured to be
coupled to two walls 24 of the switchgear enclosure 26 (as best shown in
FIG. 7).

Example 3

[0040]As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, a plurality of elongated members 28
are coupled transverse to the first adjustable members 12 and are
disposed transverse to the second adjustable members 18. Each of the
elongated members 28 includes a first end 30 and an opposite second end
32. For each of the elongated members 28, a corresponding adjustment
member 34 couples a corresponding one of the elongated members 28 to a
corresponding one of the first adjustable members 12 distal from the
opposite second end 32 of the corresponding one of the elongated members
28. For each of the elongated members 28, a corresponding coupling
mechanism 36 is coupled to the opposite second end 32 of the
corresponding one of the elongated members 28. The corresponding coupling
mechanism 36 is structured to couple the electrical switching apparatus
mounting apparatus 2 to a wall 37 of the switchgear enclosure 26 (FIG.
7). The corresponding adjustment member 34 is structured to adjust the
distance between the corresponding coupling mechanism 36 and a
corresponding one of the first adjustable members 12.

Example 4

[0041]As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the example number of first
adjustable members is two first adjustable members 12, the example number
of second adjustable members is two second adjustable members 18, and the
example plurality of elongated members is four elongated members 28. It
will, however, be appreciated that any suitable number of first
adjustable members 12, any suitable number of second adjustable members
18, and any suitable plurality of elongated members 28 can be employed.

Example 5

[0042]As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the first adjustable members
12 includes a conduit member 38, a first slidable member 40 disposed
within the conduit member 38 and slidable with respect to a first end 42
of the conduit member 38, and a second slidable member 44 disposed within
the conduit member 38 and slidable with respect to the opposite second
end 46 of the conduit member 38.

Example 6

[0043]As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the second adjustable
members 18 includes a conduit member 48, a first slidable member 50
disposed within the conduit member 48 and slidable with respect to a
first end 52 of the conduit member 48, and a second slidable member 54
disposed within the conduit member 48 and slidable with respect to the
opposite second end 56 of the conduit member 48.

Example 7

[0044]As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the elongated members 28 is
an elongated, threaded rod 28. The corresponding adjustment member 34 is
a threaded coupling 34 coupling a corresponding elongated, threaded rod
28 to the corresponding one of the first adjustable members 12.

[0046]A corresponding one of the coupling mechanisms 36 is coupled to the
opposite second end 32 of the corresponding one of the elongated members
28. The coupling mechanism 36 includes a number of fasteners 58
structured to couple the opposite second end 32 of the corresponding one
of the elongated members 28 to the wall 37 of the switchgear enclosure
26, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Example 10

[0047]At least one of the first end 14,20 and the opposite second end
16,22 of the first and second adjustable members 12,18 is structured to
be fastened to the wall(s) 24 of the switchgear enclosure 26, as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7.

Example 11

[0048]As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the walls 24 of the switchgear enclosure
26 include a front side 60, a rear side 62, a left side 64, a right side
66, and the bottom side or wall 37.

Example 12

[0049]As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the example conduit member 38 is a fixed
rectangular tube having a generally square opening at the ends 42,46.
Each of the example first and second slidable members 40,44 is an
expandable/slidable tube having a generally rectangular cross section
(e.g., generally square), which is received within the generally square
opening at the ends 42,46. Similarly, the example conduit member 48 is a
fixed rectangular tube having a generally square opening at the ends
52,56. Each of the example first and second slidable members 50,54 is an
expandable/slidable tube having a generally rectangular cross section
(e.g., generally square), which is received within the generally square
opening at the ends 52,56.

Example 13

[0050]The base 4 provides a fixed mounting plate for mounting an
electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit interrupter 68 (FIGS. 6
and 7). The base 4 includes a plurality of openings 70 that receive a
corresponding plurality of fasteners 72 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The fixed
mounting plate 4 is coupled (e.g., without limitation, welded) to the
upper surface of the two fixed rectangular tubes 38 (e.g., in the X
direction), in order that the fixed mounting plate 4 is not adjustable.
This allows the electrical switching apparatus to be stationary based
upon its desired location within the switchgear enclosure 26 (FIGS. 6 and
7).

Example 14

[0051]The threaded couplings 34 can be threaded hex couplings coupled
(e.g., without limitation, welded) to the outer side of the ends of the
conduit members 38. The first end 30 of the elongated, threaded rods 28
can be a threaded hex nut coupled (e.g., without limitation, threaded and
welded) onto the upper ends (with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2) of the
threaded rods 28. Each of the elongated, threaded rods 28 is then screwed
through a corresponding one of the four threaded hex couplings 34, which
allows a corresponding one of the elongated, threaded rods 28 to be
turned for suitable adjustment. The ends 14,16 and 20,22 of the
respective slidable members 40,44 and 50,54 are surfaces that mount to
the inside walls 24 of the switchgear enclosure 26 (FIGS. 6 and 7). The
coupling mechanisms 36 are floor mounting plates that are coupled onto
the lower ends (with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2) of the threaded rods 28.
These coupling mechanisms 36 couple to the bottom side or wall 37 of the
enclosure 26. The fasteners 58 can be, for example and without
limitation, pin drive stud anchors.

Example 15

[0052]There are two fixed rectangular tubes 38 (e.g., in the X direction),
which are coupled (e.g., without limitation, welded) to the bottom
surface 10 (FIG. 5) of the fixed mounting plate 4. There are also two
separate fixed rectangular tubes 48 (e.g., in the Y direction), which are
coupled (e.g., without limitation, welded) to the bottom surface of the
two tubes 38 (e.g., in the X direction). The front and rear slidable
members 50,54 are encapsulated tubes that are slidable to, for example
and without limitation, about double their length. The side slidable
members 40,44 are encapsulated tubes that are also slidable to increase
their length. The four tubes 40,44,50,54 slide on all eight ends of the
first and second adjustable members 12,18 in, for example, the X and Y
directions. The example eight expandable/slidable tubes 40,44,50,54 are
horizontally adjusted for coupling (e.g., without limitation, bolting;
fastening), in order to secure the mounting apparatus 2 to the switchgear
enclosure 26 (FIGS. 6 and 7). This allows for relatively large adjustable
dimension ranges.

Example 16

[0053]The height of the fixed mounting plate 4 is set, for example and
without limitation, by turning the threaded rods 28 with threaded hex
nuts 30 with a suitable tool, such as a wrench, until the desired height
is accomplished. For example, a bulls eye level (not shown) is placed
onto the center of the fixed mounting plate 4 and the threaded rods 28
with threaded hex nuts 30 are adjusted until the fixed mounting plate 4
is level at the desired height inside the switchgear enclosure 26 (FIGS.
6 and 7).

Example 17

[0054]For a switchgear enclosure (e.g., without limitation, 26, as shown
in FIGS. 6 and 7), the mounting apparatus 2 is placed inside the
switchgear enclosure 26 and is installed by following a suitable
procedure when used along with a plumb bob (not shown), a bulls eye level
(not shown) and a mounting template (not shown). For example, a template
is used with the installation procedures to position the mounting
apparatus 2 in the desired location inside an existing switchgear
enclosure 26. The template is installed on the mounting apparatus 2 by
aligning a plumb bob tip (not shown) with a cross hair (not shown) on the
template, such that the mounting apparatus 2 will be located in the
desired front to rear and side to side location. This allows the
placement of the mounting apparatus 2 in the desired location inside the
switchgear enclosure 26. The center of the fixed mounting plate 4 is
preferably aligned with the center phase 74 of the switchgear enclosure
electrical switching apparatus (e.g., without limitation, an isolating
switch 76 in series with the circuit interrupter 68), is placed in the
desired front to rear location (as best shown in FIG. 7), and is adjusted
to the desired height (FIGS. 6 and 7). All of the example eight
expandable/slidable tubes 40,44,50,54 are slid out in all X or Y
directions until the ends 14,16,20,22 are all flush with the
corresponding steel walls 24 of the switchgear enclosure 26. After
drilling eight holes (not shown) using the hole locations on ends
14,16,20,22, suitable fasteners 78 are employed to couple the eight tubes
40,44,50,54 to the corresponding steel walls 24 of the switchgear
enclosure 26. Then, eight socket set screws 80 (FIG. 1) are installed and
set, in order to secure the eight expandable/slidable tubes 40,44,50,54
to the four fixed rectangular tubes 38,48.

[0055]If the front side 60, rear side 62 (or vertical steel barrier), left
side 64 and right side 66 of the switchgear enclosure 26 (FIGS. 6 and 7)
are all available, then the mounting apparatus 2 is preferably fastened
to the switchgear enclosure 26 using the above procedure.

Example 18

[0056]Alternatively, if none of the sides 60,62,64,66 of the switchgear
enclosure 26 (FIGS. 6 and 7) is available, then suitable floor mounting
provisions are provided. For bolting to the floor or to the bottom side
37 of the switchgear enclosure 26, eight holes are drilled into the floor
and/or the bottom side 37 using the holes located in the four floor
mounting plates 36. After drilling, eight fasteners, such as pin drive
stud anchors 58, are inserted into each hole for anchoring the mounting
apparatus 2 to the floor and/or the bottom side 37 of the switchgear
enclosure 26 (and/or to the underlying concrete (not shown), if
available).

Example 19

[0057]The example mounting apparatus 2 provides provisions for mounting to
one, two or all three of: (1) the sides 64,66 (FIG. 6) of the switchgear
enclosure 26; (2) the front and rear sides 60,62 (FIG. 7) of the
switchgear enclosure 26; and/or (3) the floor and/or the bottom side 37
(FIGS. 6 and 7) of the switchgear enclosure 26. The disclosed mounting
apparatus 2 is fastened to the switchgear enclosure 26 and/or the floor
using one, two or all three of the procedures of Examples 16-18.

Example 20

[0058]Each switchgear enclosure manufacturer has different electrical
switching apparatus (e.g., without limitation, switch 76 (FIGS. 6 and 7))
height dimensions, widths and depths for enclosures, such as the
switchgear enclosure 26. The electrical switching apparatus sits in the
desired location with respect to the example switch 76 located in the
switchgear enclosure 26 after the mounting procedure (e.g., Examples 16,
17, 18 and/or 19) has been accomplished. Being able to adjust the
mounting height of the electrical switching apparatus accommodates many
of the different variety of height dimensions. Being able to expand/slide
the eight horizontal expandable/slidable tubes 40,44,50,54 accommodates a
wide variety of width and depth dimensions. After the mounting apparatus
2 is coupled to the switchgear enclosure 26 at the desired location, the
fixed electrical switching apparatus is mounted by fastening (e.g.,
without limitation, bolting) the fixed electrical switching apparatus to
the fixed mounting plate 4, which is coupled (e.g., without limitation,
welded) to the mounting apparatus 2, which supports the electrical
switching apparatus.

Example 21

[0059]FIG. 6 shows a switchgear apparatus 82 including the switchgear
enclosure 26 having the plurality of walls 24, the electrical switching
apparatus 68 disposed in the enclosure 26, and the electrical switching
apparatus mounting apparatus 2 disposed in the enclosure 26. The
electrical switching apparatus 68 is mounted to the first side 8 (as best
shown in FIG. 5) of the fixed base 4.

Example 22

[0060]As was discussed above in connection with Examples 17 and 19, at
least one of the first ends 14,20 and the opposite second ends 16,22 of
the number of first and second adjustable members 12,18 is coupled to a
number of the walls 24 of the switchgear enclosure 26.

Example 23

[0061]As was discussed above in connection with Examples 17 and 19, the
number of the walls 24 of the switchgear enclosure 26 can be two or four
walls 64,66 (FIG. 6) and/or 60,62 (FIG. 7) of the switchgear enclosure
26. Both of the first ends 14 and/or 20 and the opposite second ends 16
and/or 22 of the number of first and second adjustable members 12,18 can
be adjusted generally toward or generally away from the base 4, and can
be coupled to the two or four corresponding walls 64,66 and/or 60,62 of
the switchgear enclosure 26.

Example 24

[0062]As was discussed above in connection with Examples 16 and 19, in
addition to or separate from Example 23, the height of the fixed mounting
plate 4 within the switchgear enclosure 26 can advantageously be adjusted
and suitably leveled using the adjustment members 34 and the elongated,
threaded rods 28 with the threaded hex nuts 30.

Example 25

[0063]An electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker 68, can
be positioned on the mounting apparatus 2 front to rear and/or side to
side by sliding the four horizontal expandable/slidable tubes 40,44,50,54
to the desired width (e.g., in the X direction) and/or the desired depth
(e.g., in the Y direction), thereby accommodating a wide variety of
widths and depths defined by pre-existing switchgear.

[0064]For example and without limitation, the example width range is from
about 31.5 inches to about 57.0 inches, and the example depth range is
about 17.5 inches to about 35.25 inches within the switchgear enclosure
26. It will be appreciated, however, that these width and depth ranges
are examples, and that a wide range of different width and depth ranges
can be employed.

Example 26

[0065]The disclosed mounting apparatus 2 offers ease of adding a fixed
electrical switching apparatus 68 into a pre-existing switchgear
enclosure 26 and being able to accommodate a wide variety of different
manufacturers' dimensions. The disclosed mounting apparatus 2 provides
adjustable electrical switching apparatus mounting that can mount an
electrical switching apparatus into a wide variety of different
switchgear enclosures from various different manufacturers. The mounting
apparatus 2 provides ease of installation while adapting the electrical
switching apparatus 68 into a pre-existing switchgear structure. This
flexibility of mounting into a wide range of switchgear dimensions is
provided by a vertical height adjustment with four vertical threaded rods
28 along with four side horizontal expandable/slidable tubes 40,44, and
four front/rear horizontal expandable/slidable tubes 50,54. As a result,
the mounting apparatus 2 is adjustable in any one, two or all of the X, Y
and Z directions.

[0066]While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been
described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be
developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure.
Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be
illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the disclosed
concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and
any and all equivalents thereof.